How to get rid of ticks from a bed? - briefly
Strip the mattress and wash all bedding in hot water (≥60 °C) with detergent, then dry on high heat; vacuum the mattress thoroughly and apply an EPA‑registered acaricide spray or powder, sealing any cracks. Re‑inspect after seven days and repeat treatment if any ticks are still present.
How to get rid of ticks from a bed? - in detail
Ticks can infest a mattress after contact with infested clothing, pets, or wildlife. Immediate removal prevents bites and disease transmission.
First, isolate the bed. Strip sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and wash them in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes. Use a high‑efficiency dryer on the hottest setting for a minimum of 20 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
Next, treat the mattress itself. Vacuum the entire surface, including seams and crevices, using a hose attachment. Discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately to avoid re‑contamination. After vacuuming, apply an approved acaricide spray that is labeled for indoor use on fabrics. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for concentration, coverage, and drying time. Allow the product to act for the recommended period before re‑covering the mattress.
For persistent infestations, consider encasing the mattress and box spring in a tick‑proof cover with a zippered seal. The enclosure must remain closed for at least 14 days, the duration of a tick’s life cycle, to ensure any hidden specimens die of starvation.
If pets share the sleeping area, treat them simultaneously. Use a veterinarian‑approved tick collar or topical medication, and wash any pet bedding on the same hot‑water cycle. Regularly groom pets and inspect their fur for attached ticks.
Finally, implement environmental controls. Reduce clutter around the bedroom, seal cracks in walls and flooring, and maintain low humidity (≤ 50 %). Periodically repeat vacuuming and laundering of bedding every two weeks for a month to catch any emerging ticks.
By following these steps—hot laundering, thorough vacuuming, targeted acaricide application, protective encasement, pet treatment, and habitat management—ticks can be fully eradicated from a sleeping surface.